Monday, May 31, 2010

E-Green Technologies' Bullet 580 is the world’s largest airship at 230ft (70m) long and 65ft (19.8m) diameter. Each Bullet 580 costs US$8M (€6.3M), the company plans to build eight airships to rent at US$290,000-800,000 (€230,000-630,000) a month.

The first mission to fly will take NASA and Old Dominion University crew, on a soil moisture measuring research flight. Test flights are planned to begin this summer.

Technical Specifications:

•Approximate length = 230 feet•Specially manufactured in various lengths to meet sustained altitude and payload requirements.•Maneuverable—vertical takeoff/descent; capable of reversing directions.•Diesel-powered generators provide a power budget for payloads exceeding 4kw.•Payload bays designed for easy access and modification.•Dual-redundant flight control system for manned and unmanned operation.•Ground Control Systems and data links provide full control during unmanned operation.•Water Condensate Recovery System reduces need for helium replenishment.